There is a significant gap in understanding within communities regarding whom to approach for support during a disaster, as highlighted by Seinimere Veitata, the Fiji National Program Coordinator for the Women’s Resilience to Disaster Program with United Nations Women. She made this observation during a workshop in Labasa.
Veitata emphasized the need for stakeholders to enhance their support within civil society organizations to address these issues effectively. She pointed out the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to provide communities with the assistance they require.
Addressing concerns about communication barriers faced by officials, she noted the existence of established channels that stakeholders should utilize when engaging with communities. Veitata mentioned that community development links play a crucial role in disseminating and translating information.
Despite the existing challenges, she stressed that it is essential for everyone to come together to tackle the problems communities experience both during and after a disaster.